Types of Keyless Entry Systems for Homes
Keyless entry has evolved far beyond basic keypads. Today's options include: Mechanical keypad locks — no batteries or WiFi needed, just a code. Brands like Schlage and Lockey offer reliable mechanical options for $80-150. Electronic keypad deadbolts — battery-powered with backlit keypads and multiple user codes. $100-200 installed. Smart locks with app control — WiFi or Bluetooth connected, allowing phone unlocking, remote access, and guest code management. $150-350 installed. Biometric (fingerprint) locks — scan your fingerprint to unlock. Fast and convenient but more expensive ($200-400). RFID/card reader systems — common in hotels and commercial settings but available for residential use. $250-500 installed. For most DFW homeowners, we recommend an electronic keypad deadbolt as the sweet spot of convenience, reliability, and cost.
Keypad Locks vs Smart Locks — Key Differences
Keypad locks (non-connected) are simpler, more affordable, and don't require WiFi or an app. You punch in a code and the lock opens. They're excellent for side doors, garage entries, and as a primary lock for tech-averse homeowners. Downsides: no remote access, no activity logs, codes must be changed manually. Smart locks add connectivity — you can lock/unlock from anywhere, see who entered and when, create and revoke codes remotely, and integrate with Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. They cost more and require battery management and WiFi. Our recommendation: if you want "never get locked out" simplicity, a keypad lock is perfect. If you want full control, activity tracking, and smart home integration, go smart lock.
Keyless Entry for Rental Properties — Landlord Guide
Keyless entry is a game-changer for DFW landlords and property managers. Benefits include: No key handoff needed — create a code for new tenants and delete it when they leave. No rekeying between tenants — just change the code (saves $25-55 per lock per turnover). Contractor access — create temporary codes for maintenance workers. Activity tracking — smart locks log every entry, useful for property management. Recommended models for rentals: Schlage BE365 (mechanical keypad, virtually indestructible), Kwikset 917 (electronic keypad with SmartKey), or Yale Assure Lock 2 (full smart features for Airbnb-style rentals). For short-term rentals (Airbnb, VRBO), smart locks with auto-code generation that integrate with booking platforms are essential — they create and expire guest codes automatically.
Keyless Entry FAQ
Are keyless locks safe?
Yes — quality keypad and smart locks meet the same ANSI/BHMA security grades as traditional deadbolts. Many offer additional security features like auto-lock, wrong-code lockout, and tamper alerts that traditional locks lack.
What if I forget my keyless entry code?
Most keyless locks include a physical key backup. Smart locks can be unlocked via the app even if you forget the code. Some models also support temporary master reset codes.
How many codes can a keypad lock store?
Most electronic keypad locks store 20-100 unique codes. Mechanical keypads typically support one code. Smart locks can store virtually unlimited codes through the app.
Keyless Entry for Rental Properties: A Dallas Landlord's Guide
Keyless entry solves one of the biggest operational headaches for Dallas-Fort Worth landlords: key management. With traditional keys, tenant turnover requires rekeying ($25-45 per lock) or lock replacement — costs that add up across a portfolio. A keypad smart lock changes this: each tenant gets a unique code, and when tenancy ends, you delete that code from the app in 10 seconds — no rekeying, no hardware cost, no delay. Benefits for DFW rental properties: instant access revocation (useful for evictions, where you may need to legally change access quickly), maintenance access codes (separate codes for your plumber, HVAC tech, and lawn crew that you can set to time-limited or one-time-use), reduced key copying (tenants can't copy a code), and remote monitoring (you know exactly when the property was accessed and by whom). For multi-family properties: Schlage's commercial keypad line or Yale's access control integration supports multiple units under one management app. MyKey installs smart locks for DFW property managers and landlords — volume pricing available for multi-property engagements. Call (214) 888-8755 to discuss your rental property keyless entry needs.
Best Keyless Entry Locks for Dallas-Fort Worth Homes in 2025
Our top recommendations for DFW homes based on performance in Texas conditions: Best overall: Schlage Encode Plus — Grade 1 deadbolt, Matter support, Apple Home Key (UWB), WiFi + Bluetooth. Handles DFW heat better than most competitors. Best budget: Schlage BE375 (keypad only, no WiFi) — Grade 1 security, extremely reliable, $120-150 installed. No app, no connectivity issues, no data concerns. Best for Airbnb and short-term rental: August Smart Lock Pro (wifi bridge included) — guest access codes via the August app, easy to generate and expire codes remotely, good DFW climate record. Best for apartment renters: Level Lock Touch — completely concealed inside the door, no change to exterior appearance (no lease violation risk), Bluetooth only (no drilling, no additional holes). Best for Apple users: Schlage Encode Plus or Level Lock Plus with Apple Home Key — NFC tap-to-unlock is the most elegant experience on iPhone. All of these can be purchased by the customer and installed by MyKey across DFW for $85-150 in labor. Call (214) 888-8755 or arrive at any installation appointment with your preferred lock already purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions — Keyless Entry Dallas
Q: Can I install a keyless entry lock on my Dallas apartment without my landlord's permission?
A: Check your lease's alteration clause. Many Dallas apartment leases prohibit changing locks without landlord consent — not because of keyless locks specifically, but as a general policy. The Level Lock Touch (which installs entirely inside the door with no exterior change) is the only keyless lock that unambiguously falls within "no exterior alteration" provisions. For any exterior-visible smart lock, get landlord permission in writing first. Texas Property Code does give tenants the right to change their own locks, but this is typically limited to security reasons, not preference — and typically requires providing the landlord a key to the new lock.
Q: What happens to my keyless lock if the battery dies?
A: Most smart locks give 3-6 months of battery life warning via the app before the battery actually dies. If you ignore all warnings and the battery fully depletes, most models (Schlage, Yale, August) have an emergency power option: hold a 9V battery to the contacts on the bottom of the keypad to power it long enough to enter your code and open the door. Always keep a physical key backup — all Grade 1 smart locks include a traditional key cylinder for this reason.
Q: Is there a keyless entry option that works without WiFi in DFW?
A: Yes — mechanical keypad deadbolts (Schlage BE365, Lockey series) require no WiFi, no Bluetooth, no batteries beyond a 9V for the keypad. They're entirely mechanical — a code sequences the bolts. These are excellent for vacation homes, storage units, or Dallas properties in areas with poor internet reliability. They offer no remote access but also have no connectivity failure points. Cost installed by MyKey: $95-145.
Q: How many codes can a keyless entry lock store for a Dallas rental property?
A: It varies by model. Basic keypad locks: 10-30 codes. Mid-range smart locks (Schlage Encode, Yale Assure 2): 100-250 codes. Commercial-grade systems: unlimited (cloud-managed). For a single-family rental with a property manager, cleaners, and occasional maintenance, a 30-code lock is more than sufficient. For multi-unit properties or short-term rentals with frequent code generation, choose a cloud-managed system with no code limit and automatic expiration capability.